Toxicological analysis of aerosols derived from three electronic nicotine delivery systems using normal human bronchial epithelial cells.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the physicochemical and toxicological properties of aerosols derived from three popular electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), specifically the Juul Fruit Medley, Logic Power, and Mistic brands. The study uses a novel fluoropolymer condensation trap to collect aerosols and assesses the presence of heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. additionally, the toxicological effects of ENDS aerosols on normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NhBE) are investigated through various assays, including cellular viability, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and DNa damage assessments.

Key Points:

* The study used three prominent ENDS brands, Juul Fruit Medley (5% nicotine), Logic Power (2.4% nicotine), and Mistic (1.8% nicotine) for the analysis.
* The concentrations of heavy metals in the collected aerosols were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
* The toxicological effects of ENDS aerosols on NhBE cells were investigated using cellular viability, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress assays, and genotoxicity assessments using the CometChip.
* The study found that Logic Power aerosols elicited higher reactive oxygen species levels than Mistic and Juul in NhBE after 24-hr exposure.
* Logic and Juul aerosols caused greater single stranded DNa damage compared to Mistic.
* Metal concentrations in the aerosols were higher for Mistic and Logic compared to Juul.
* The study indicates that regardless of brand, ENDS aerosols are toxic to upper airway epithelial cells and may pose a potential respiratory hazard to occasional and frequent users.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with the use of ENDS, specifically the Juul Fruit Medley, Logic Power, and Mistic brands. The findings suggest that despite the perception that ENDS are a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes, they still pose a potential respiratory hazard due to the presence of heavy metals and toxicological effects on NhBE cells. Therefore, it is crucial to regulate ENDS and educate users about their potential health risks. The study emphasizes the need for further research to assess the long-term health effects of ENDS use.

Pearce K, Gray N, Gaur P, et al. Toxicological analysis of aerosols derived from three electronic nicotine delivery systems using normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRa. 2020;69:104997. doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104997